What should you be talking about? The communication pathway to sustainable supply chain contagion

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand communication pathways and factors that cause sustainability initiatives to become contagious from downstream to upstream members of a supply chain, which is termed sustainable supply chain contagion (SSCC).Design/methodology/approachThis study takes an inductive, grounded theory approach, while utilizing established theories.FindingsThe decision to implement a sustainability initiative depends on the business case for the organization. Importantly, the findings outline several network and communication factors that overcome the weak business case and, therefore, foster SSCC. Based on these findings, a communication network model of SSCC is outlined. Network factors include the contagion pathways, the role of sustainability and top management teams and communication channels. Communication factors include the alignment of sustainability initiatives with departmental objectives, the articulation of goals and assuring the endurance of a sustainability initiative.Practical implicationsManagers can utilize the proposed model to create conditions that strengthen the business case of a proposed sustainability initiative, thus fostering SSCC. The presented findings reveal different tactics that can assist organizations in communicating sustainability initiatives in a persuasive manner, to permit the proliferation of sustainability across the supply chain.Originality/valueThis research enables a multilevel examination of the factors influencing SSCC.

Design in the Sustainable Supply Chain in Agribusiness: A Case Study in a Citrus Business Company

“…Meanwhile, recent research has been added to the literature regarding environmental laws, including carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption, as well as social well-being in consideration of the sustainability problem (Eskandarpour et al 2015;Noyan 2012). Mir et al (2021) argue that sustainable supply chain management implies the achievement of social and environmental objectives, while at the same time ensuring long-term advantages with economic viability for the organization. The sustainable supply chain that is most focused on environmental and social matters is the green supply chain.…”